Election of NHRC Executive Secretary Anthony Ojukwu at Kigali conference strengthens Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s anti-torture and detention oversight framework
By A1NEWS International
ABUJA, Nigeria — June 29, 2026
Nigeria has recorded a significant diplomatic and human rights milestone following the election of the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Anthony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, as Vice-President of the African National Preventive Mechanisms Network (ANPMN).
The election, held on June 26, 2026, during the Fourth Annual Conference of the ANPMN in Kigali, Rwanda, is widely seen as recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in promoting human rights, preventing torture and strengthening oversight of detention facilities across Africa.
The NHRC announced that Ojukwu’s emergence reflects the confidence African National Preventive Mechanisms have placed in Nigeria’s leadership and the Commission’s expanding contributions to regional human rights initiatives.
Election Coincides with Global Anti-Torture Campaign
This year’s conference was held under the theme:
“Women and Children in Detention: Gender-responsive and Child-sensitive National Preventive Mechanism Approaches.”
The gathering coincided with the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, underscoring renewed continental efforts to eliminate torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Human rights experts at the conference emphasized the need for stronger preventive monitoring systems, improved detention conditions and enhanced protection for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children deprived of their liberty.
Nigeria Takes Strategic Leadership Position
According to the NHRC, the newly elected Steering Committee of the African National Preventive Mechanisms Network comprises:
- President: Commissioner Philile Ntuli, South African Human Rights Commission, South Africa.
- Vice-President: Chief Anthony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria.
Other members of the Steering Committee represent:
- Morocco
- Rwanda
- Mozambique
- Mali
- Senegal
- Mauritania
The new leadership is expected to guide the Network’s strategic activities over the coming term.
What is ANPMN?
The African National Preventive Mechanisms Network (ANPMN) is the continental platform bringing together National Preventive Mechanisms established under the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
The Network promotes cooperation among African countries by:
- Monitoring places of detention to prevent torture.
- Sharing best practices in preventive oversight.
- Strengthening institutional capacity.
- Enhancing technical cooperation among National Preventive Mechanisms.
- Promoting compliance with international human rights standards.
Its Permanent Secretariat is hosted in Rabat, Morocco.
Recognition of Nigeria’s Human Rights Efforts
The NHRC described Ojukwu’s election as a significant endorsement of both his personal leadership and Nigeria’s institutional commitment to preventing torture.
According to the Commission, Nigeria’s National Preventive Mechanism has continued to expand preventive monitoring of correctional centres, police detention facilities and other places where individuals are deprived of their liberty.
The Commission noted that the continental appointment reflects increasing confidence in Nigeria’s role in advancing regional human rights cooperation and strengthening accountability mechanisms within detention facilities.
Why the Appointment Matters
Human rights advocates believe Nigeria’s emergence as Vice-President of the continental network provides an opportunity to influence policy development on detention standards across Africa.
The position is also expected to facilitate stronger collaboration between African National Preventive Mechanisms in addressing challenges such as overcrowded detention centres, unlawful detention, torture prevention, juvenile justice and the protection of vulnerable detainees.
Analysts note that Nigeria’s participation in the Network’s leadership could further enhance knowledge exchange, technical cooperation and implementation of international human rights obligations under OPCAT.
Strengthening Africa’s Preventive Human Rights Architecture
The Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture requires participating states to establish independent National Preventive Mechanisms responsible for conducting regular visits to detention facilities in order to prevent torture before it occurs.
Rather than responding after violations happen, the preventive system seeks to improve detention conditions through regular inspections, constructive dialogue with authorities and recommendations aimed at protecting the dignity and rights of persons deprived of liberty.
Experts say this preventive approach has become one of the most effective international tools for reducing torture and improving accountability within detention systems.
Chief Anthony Ojukwu’s election as Vice-President of the African National Preventive Mechanisms Network represents both a personal achievement and an important milestone for Nigeria’s human rights institutions.
Beyond the symbolism of the appointment, the new role places Nigeria at the centre of continental efforts to strengthen preventive oversight of detention facilities, improve protections for vulnerable detainees and promote compliance with international anti-torture standards.
As Africa continues to advance human rights reforms, Nigeria’s leadership within ANPMN is expected to contribute to deeper regional cooperation and stronger institutional safeguards against torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
Leave a Reply